AUBURN HILLS — Pistons guard Will Bynum knows there is one word that immediately comes to mind when describing basketball players from Chicago — toughness.

That toughness is developed from playing at local playgrounds and in the gyms of their respective schools.

Former Pistons’ hall of famer and Chicago native Isaiah Thomas rose to prominence in the 70s under the tutelage of famed coach Gene Pigatore at powerhouse program St. Joseph’s High School in Westchester, Ill.

Thomas was known for his toughness as a member of the Bad Boy Pistons, but playing in the Chicago Catholic League at St. Joes differs from the Chicago Public School League experience and requires a different type of toughness.

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Bynum played his high school ball at Crane High School on Chicago’s west side, while new Pistons’ coach Mo Cheeks played at DuSable High School which is located on the south side, both schools are part of the CPS system.

CPS rivalry games can sometimes carry an undertone of violence, which adds an unfortunate weight to these great basketball matchups.

But Bynum said his experiences growing up in Chicago helped shape him into the man that he is today. He learned a lot about himself, and can reflect on the toughness that his upbringing instilled in him.

“It’s tough, but a lot different ways growing up can be tough in whatever city you’re from. Me being older and understanding that you don’t have to grow up that way, it brings a different thought of mind,” Bynum said. “But growing up I thought it was an everyday thing, I thought every child grew up like that. Now I can appreciate the toughness that I got from those experiences.

“Because early on you kind of take it for granted and you don’t really know what’s going on. And now that I’ve matured, I see where (the toughness) came from and can pinpoint the different things that I’ve been through when I’ve made the right decisions… even when I made the wrong decision, I’ve learned from them. All of that is a part of mental toughness.”

As a youth Bynum said he looked up to Cheeks as a role model. It was that shared bond between the two Chicago natives, along with Cheeks making re-signing him a priority that helped sway the 31-year-old guard to remain in the Motor City.

“He said he wanted me back. One of the first things he said when he got the job was he asked about me. That was important to me, that meant a lot to me,” Bynum said.

“Especially growing up in Chicago, and me kind of looking up to him as a younger kid and knowing that he grew up in the same area as me, it was big.”

Aside from their Windy City connections, Bynum said Cheeks’ background as a former NBA player (15 years with four teams) made him comfortable with returning.

“I think he’s going to have a big impact. (He’s a) former player, he understands players extremely well. I think he’s a perfect fit for us,” he said.

With the recent signing of Chauncey Billups, and the drafting of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bynum knows he’s going to have to battle for minutes in the Pistons’ backcourt. He said his mental toughness will allow him to adapt to any situation.

“The organization knows what I bring, they know my mental toughness. I’m the type of person that can deal with any type of situation,” he said.

“Any type of situation you put me in, I’ll be able to adjust to, and you don’t have to ever worry about me overshadowing myself or thinking selfishly outside of what’s best for the organization. They know that I bring that mental toughness, growing up in Chicago is where I got it from.”

Bynum said he considers Detroit to be his second home. With the proximity to his hometown, he felt the combination was perfect for him and his family.

“For me and my family it is great for me. Four hours from home, my daughter is in school here, so everything is kind of perfect for me,” he said.